[PLUG] Boosting WiFi Signals & Cellular Connection of Portable to 'Net

[Rich Shepard]

On Thu, 4 Dec 2014, King Beowulf wrote:

> Any modern cell phone capable of 3G and better has wifi hotspot capability
> (tethering). We use it here with iPhone 3GS (iOS 6) on T-Mobile (free with
> data plan), iPhone 5C (iOS 7 and 8) via AT&T (costs extra but then my
> employer pays for it). Android devices are similar.

Ed,

   My Treo 700p has data capabilities, but I did not sign up for the
$60/month data plan. Now there's 250M of data included in the base price.

> If your current cell phone carrier does not activate your phone hotspot
> (tethering) capability without charging an arm and a leg, your 1st born,
> and/or a testicle, there are a number of small wifi hotspot devices from
> the prepaid carries.  For example,

   They must have learned this pricing policy from banks.

> Novatel mifi
> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MiFi
>
> There are many other devices too numerous to list.  These gadgets are
> getting a bit dated, since any cell phone can be a wifi hotspot.

   Will look at this Real Soon Now. Thanks.
>
> I'd go with a prepaid carrier that uses easily swappable SIM cards. That
> gives the most flexibility. The "rental plans" from the big carriers are
> never a good deal (free device with 2 year contract, restrictions apply,
> coverage may not exists...). Any AT&T, Sprint, Verizon, etc store will
> *not* have good deals on these devices. Head over to Fry's, Best Buy, or
> online (newegg.com , e.g.), or even give T-mobile are
> https://ting.com/shop a shot.

   Thanks for showing me many options. With a modicum of skill (and luck)
I'll be doing a lot more business travel in the coming months where this
capability will come in quite handy. Of course, there are vast swatches of
Oregon, Nevada, Utah, and Idaho that are official Radio Free Zones. No
cellular coverage at all. Along I-80 cellular coverage is only 4 miles
either side; beyond that it's sat phone territory (which is why I carry the
latter with me on trips when I'm driving in those areas).

Much appreciated,

Rich